Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step toward getting many different types of financial aid for school – and finishing the FAFSA early is the best way to maximize college-award packages. 

Even though the federal government doesn’t have a firm deadline as to when FAFSAs need to be completed, all 50 states do. And for Texas, the priority deadline is Jan. 15, 2021. 

When applying for student aid, timing matters. Each year, the Office of Federal Student Aid offers more than $120 billion through grants, loans, and work-study funds to help students pay for higher education. Priority for this money will be given to students who apply before the priority consideration deadline. 

Students and their parents can apply for the funds online at  www.fafsa.gov. You can also fill out the FAFSA right from your phone. To fill out the FAFSA form on your phone, simply download the myStudentAid mobile app (iOS or Android) and fill it out on your mobile device. 

If you are a foreign student or non-citizen, you may be eligible to be classified as a Texas resident for tuition purposes. If so, you may also be eligible to receive state financial aid. To apply for state financial aid, you much complete the TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid). You can find the form here. 

For more information about preparing for college, visit the HISD College Readiness website at www.houstonisd.org/collegereadiness.